First and foremost I would like to thank Spope for dropping by my place yesterday and helping with the seemingly infinite task of getting my car on the road. At the moment we are preparing the old engine for removal, and after yesterday inlet manifold has been removed... almost.

There is one bolt on the very underneath, and after much fiddling we got the bottom nut out, but it still won't budge and we couldn't figure it out. The exhaust manifold is also a bastard, because some of the readily accessible top bolts are proving impossible to undo, and then there is the row of bottom ones with limited access...

After this it should be just a matter of removing the alternator and A/C compressor, undoing transmission mounts, engine mounts and the tailshaft and pulling the lot out. Then there's a bit of fiddling with the AU motor and getting the EB manifold on, bolting up the transmission (which is still going to be lacking 1 mount!) and getting it in the car. After sorting out wiring and hoses the car will finally be drivable and ready for the more exciting stages of the project.

If anyone with good tools would be willing to help out on the next mod day (not sure at this stage), I'd be very grateful. Other than that, just thought I'd update everyone. Progress has been at a woeful pace due to a variety of reasons but thanks to Spope, I'm glad to have got something done yesterday!

Hey, no probs. At the moment, driving my car is preferable to being home since I have a/c in the car.
With the right tools, the rest of the job should be pretty straightforward.
The Ford manual is no bloody good, it says there should only be 1 bolt holding that bracket to the inlet manifold. I still dunno how you are supposed to get it off.
Let us all know when you plan to keep going, I'll be there.

leave the manifolds on just unbolt the 2 bolts that holt the cat to the exhaust manifold, unplug everything, heater hoses are usually a bitch so just cut them and replace them, remove the fan and radiator.

Taking all the other stuff off with the engine in the bay is making more work for yourselves

The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.

AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.